“I love this city tonight; I love this city always.”

People always ask me what I like about Dublin and I never really know what to answer. What exactly makes this city so special for me? Why do I enjoy it here so much?  When I walked into town yesterday I thought about these questions and paid attention to the things I love about this city. And there were a lot of small things that I discovered: the scent of the city, enjoying autumn colours in St. Stephen’s Green, the friendly people, driving on the left side, the “Look rightà” signs on the street, the yellow-blue buses, the uneven footpaths, the small old houses, the colourful doors, the font of the pub signs, the pubs and the cider, the short walking distances, the nightclubs, the street musicians in Grafton Street, the nightclubs, college life and the Liffey running through the city which reminds of my hometown Bremen. Maybe the similarities with Bremen make me feel home here as well. Dublin has round about the same amount of habitants and the composition of the cities is very similar. Both of the cities have a river through the city centre which divides the city in two parts. In Bremen, the northern part is the place to be; in Dublin it’s the south. If there wouldn’t be the Liffey I would maybe not love Dublin that much. It’s really important for me to be close to water. I must have the opportunity to go out and sit by the riverside, watching the sunlight glistening on the water, seeing the swans swimming and observing the tourists on the boats while enjoying a hot coffee. That’s what I really like about Dublin and about my hometown.
Every city is a bit like home; built of light, steel and concrete. You live in a modern style, no matter where you are. And again, I lie awake and so much is passing by. All the things next to my bed are suggestive of me being settled. But I'm not. I'm restless; always looking for new adventures. The mail comes via internet. Everyone told me I was courageous and how much they would like to do the same. I tell them: I’m fine; and it’s good to be alone; away. I’m standing here and see the future far and wide.